Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Maria, CA: 163 vs 137

$1,975/mo ↑ 7%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↓ 7%

$88,354/yr ↑ 4%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↓ 4%

$657,800 ↑ 38%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 27%

$1,965/mo ↑ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 9%

311,639

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $133/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $1,596/year.

Median household income is $3,737/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $133/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $3,737/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and California?

Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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